Mystery informant may help solve case of deadly Toorak cafe fire

By Tate Papworth

A mystery informant may hold the key to solving the case of a deadly Melbourne cafe fire that happened almost three decades ago.

Firefighters found the body of 22-year-old Malaysian man Clement David in the kitchen of the Efficient Ships cafe at Toorak early on December 17, 1991.

The restaurant was completely destroyed in the blaze.Credit:Victoria Police

Flammable liquid, believed to be petrol, was soaked into the cafe's carpet and police determined the blaze was deliberately lit.

Clements, a friend of the family who owned the cafe, is believed to have been involved in starting the fire.

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Police said they have been contacted twice in the past two years by someone with information about others involved in the arson.

Detectives are urging the person, or anyone with information about the fire, to get in contact.

The exterior of the restaurant following the fire. (Victoria Police)Credit:Victoria Police

"It's been almost 30 years since it happened but this highlights to us that there are still people out there who know why the fire was started and who was involved," Detective Inspector Glenn Harriss said in a statement.

"I think the fact they have been in touch twice also shows they are interested in seeing that person or persons brought to justice, so I am asking them to contact police again so we can find out more about what they know."

The body of Mr David was found in the kitchen.Credit:Victoria Police

The restaurant was completely destroyed in the blaze.Credit:Victoria Police